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Other Hardy Boys Series Discussion => Hardy Boys Undercover Brothers => Topic started by: MacGyver on October 07, 2010, 09:07:25 PM

Title: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: MacGyver on October 07, 2010, 09:07:25 PM
Just saw this here- http://roomofbensown.net/hbnd/ndgirldetectivehbundercoverbrothers/
Apparently this is the next title coming in 2011?
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: JoeHardyRocks on October 07, 2010, 10:48:40 PM
Yeah, I saw that a few weeks ago on Wikipedia..... Hopefully it won't be as lame as the last two crossover "mysteries" we've had... ::)
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: SDLagent on October 08, 2010, 01:35:34 AM
Weird title.

Quote from: JoeHardyRocks on October 07, 2010, 10:48:40 PM
Yeah, I saw that a few weeks ago on Wikipedia..... Hopefully it won't be as lame as the last two crossover "mysteries" we've had... ::)

So I didn't miss anything not reading Gold Medal Murder? I was thinking of buying it.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: JoeHardyRocks on October 08, 2010, 10:57:24 AM
Quote from: SDLagent on October 08, 2010, 01:35:34 AM
So I didn't miss anything not reading Gold Medal Murder? I was thinking of buying it.

It wasn't really that good, but you should still buy it just to see how it is. Actually, you should borrow it from the Library, 'cause I didn't think it was worth the $5.99. :P

I'm dissapointed in the recent crossovers :(
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: tomswift2002 on October 11, 2010, 02:01:33 PM
Quote from: JoeHardyRocks on October 08, 2010, 10:57:24 AM

I'm dissapointed in the recent crossovers :(

I still haven't finished Gold Medal Murder.   I think I'm on Chapter 4 or 5 or something, and I really don't feel like picking the book back up.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Olivia on October 15, 2010, 03:56:12 PM
Well...if I may interject, I found the second half of Gold Medal Murder to be pretty good. I almost gave up on it myself.

Now that I said that, though, people might have higher expectations. So I don't know - take it or leave it.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on January 28, 2011, 04:21:58 PM
Let's hope this one will be better.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Bigfootman on January 30, 2011, 03:10:50 PM
Let's hope this one will be longer, as they are making the books shorter now for some reason.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: JoeHardyRocks on January 31, 2011, 01:03:07 PM
Quote from: Olivia on October 15, 2010, 03:56:12 PM
Well...if I may interject, I found the second half of Gold Medal Murder to be pretty good. I almost gave up on it myself.

I did like the ending though, I thought it was prettyyyyy exciting :)
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Olivia on January 31, 2011, 05:23:37 PM
Quote from: JoeHardyRocks on January 31, 2011, 01:03:07 PM
I did like the ending though, I thought it was prettyyyyy exciting :)

Cool, glad you agree with me. The action was good in the end :)
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: SDLagent on January 31, 2011, 10:12:56 PM
Quote from: Dinosaur Dan on January 30, 2011, 03:10:50 PM
Let's hope this one will be longer, as they are making the books shorter now for some reason.

S&S is going green! Isn't that good of them?
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on February 02, 2011, 08:15:04 PM
I just hope that no one swears in this one! >:( Other then that, I can't wait! ;D
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: MacGyver on February 02, 2011, 09:36:23 PM
True dat. :)
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on February 05, 2011, 02:40:22 PM
Quote from: MacGyver on February 02, 2011, 09:36:23 PM
True dat. :)

I just hope the S&S checks for any swear words before the final printing!
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: JoeHardyRocks on February 07, 2011, 03:14:07 PM
I think Joe and Bess should go out in this one ;D
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on February 07, 2011, 04:59:45 PM
Quote from: JoeHardyRocks on February 07, 2011, 03:14:07 PM
I think Joe and Bess should go out in this one ;D

I don't think so! ;)
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Olivia on February 08, 2011, 06:19:30 PM
As long as it's not Joe and Nancy :P
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on February 08, 2011, 06:24:59 PM
Quote from: Olivia on February 08, 2011, 06:19:30 PM
As long as it's not Joe and Nancy :P

That would be just wrong! ;)
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: MacGyver on February 08, 2011, 08:21:36 PM
That would be interesting since they've never seemed to have had any interest in previous books. But unless we're going to start seeing regular cameos from Nancy Drew in the Hardy Boys UB books and cameos from The Hardy Boys in the Nancy Drew GD books, I really don't think they need to mess around with that. Of course, I'm still in the traditional canon mindset with the relationships being Frank and Callie, Joe and Iola and Nancy and Ned.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on February 08, 2011, 08:29:48 PM
Quote from: MacGyver on February 08, 2011, 08:21:36 PM
That would be interesting since they've never seemed to have had any interest in previous books. But unless we're going to start seeing regular cameos from Nancy Drew in the Hardy Boys UB books and cameos from The Hardy Boys in the Nancy Drew GD books, I really don't think they need to mess around with that. Of course, I'm still in the traditional canon mindset with the relationships being Frank and Callie, Joe and Iola and Nancy and Ned.

Yeah. Wasn't Nancy Drew mentioned in the Hardy Boys UB book No.7?
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: MacGyver on February 08, 2011, 08:31:00 PM
So I've heard.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: SDLagent on February 09, 2011, 12:37:14 AM
Quote from: Hardy Boys UB Fan on February 08, 2011, 08:29:48 PM
Yeah. Wasn't Nancy Drew mentioned in the Hardy Boys UB book No.7?

Before the Hardys even met Nancy in the UB continuity. Or maybe Terror on Tour take place after Mission #7.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: JoeHardyRocks on February 09, 2011, 01:45:20 PM
Quote from: SDLagent on February 09, 2011, 12:37:14 AM
Before the Hardys even met Nancy in the UB continuity. Or maybe Terror on Tour take place after Mission #7.

Maybe Frank was hallucinating. :P
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on February 09, 2011, 05:13:09 PM
Quote from: JoeHardyRocks on February 09, 2011, 01:45:20 PM
Maybe Frank was hallucinating. :P

Yeah. ::) :P ;)
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Olivia on February 09, 2011, 09:08:43 PM
I remember in Terror on Tour they made it seem like Joe was interested in Nancy. Luckily it hasn't been like that ever since.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on February 09, 2011, 09:10:49 PM
Quote from: Olivia on February 09, 2011, 09:08:43 PM
I remember in Terror on Tour they made it seem like Joe was interested in Nancy. Luckily it hasn't been like that ever since.

Yeah. ;D
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: SDLagent on February 09, 2011, 11:15:37 PM
Well, I don't see why people thought that was out of character for Joe. Nancy's supposed to be good looking so it makes sense that Joe would at least be a little attracted to her.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: MacGyver on February 10, 2011, 12:53:25 AM
I don't think it's out of character for Joe, unless the UB series had already shown him as steadily going out with Iola. (Which I'm not totally sure of, having not read any of them yet. lol) But even if that had been established, it wouldn't be wrong for him to admit being attracted to Nancy. It's where he goes with that attraction from there that would determine whether he was cheating on his girlfriend or not.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: SDLagent on February 10, 2011, 03:54:37 AM
Joe is dating Iola in the UB. Or any girl for that matter.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: MacGyver on February 10, 2011, 11:24:29 AM
Okay- so he's essentially the girl-crazy Archie Andrews analog that he was in the Casefiles. (Only with Iola alive in this continuity- but he's apparently not tied down to her or anything.)
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: JoeHardyRocks on February 10, 2011, 01:46:48 PM
I don't think they're even dating, she's only been mentioned like twice....
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on February 10, 2011, 04:31:21 PM
Quote from: MacGyver on February 10, 2011, 11:24:29 AM
Okay- so he's essentially the girl-crazy Archie Andrews analog that he was in the Casefiles. (Only with Iola alive in this continuity- but he's apparently not tied down to her or anything.)

Are you kidding? ;D With as many missions as they have, how can he? ???
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: SDLagent on February 10, 2011, 08:01:27 PM
Quote from: MacGyver on February 10, 2011, 11:24:29 AM
Okay- so he's essentially the girl-crazy Archie Andrews analog that he was in the Casefiles. (Only with Iola alive in this continuity- but he's apparently not tied down to her or anything.)

Yeah, pretty much. Except, for some unknown reason, most girls in the UB continuity seem to ignore Joe.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: JoeHardyRocks on February 10, 2011, 08:33:34 PM
Quote from: SDLagent on February 10, 2011, 08:01:27 PM
Yeah, pretty much. Except, for some unknown reason, most girls in the UB continuity seem to ignore Joe.

Yeah that stinks, I mean Frank's had like 4 girlfriends and nobody's even looked twice at my Joe yet!!! :o
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: MacGyver on February 10, 2011, 08:35:17 PM
Wow- that's definitely a switch from the Casefiles and Digests then. (Well, more so Casefiles really- Joe was definitely going out with Iola in the Digests, but he seems to be the most outgoing and friendly, especially towards girls, even in that series.)
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: SDLagent on February 11, 2011, 02:37:48 AM
But even stupider than that is that Frank doesn't know how to act around girls. He's painfully shy and makes a fool out of himself but the girls don't seem to notice. This has been downplayed in more recent books, though, and was almost completely ignored in the graphic novels.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: MacGyver on February 11, 2011, 10:11:39 AM
Hmm- that characterization for Frank and Joe reminds me of Cody and Zack on The Suite Life of Zack and Cody and its spinoff, The Suite Life on Deck.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on February 11, 2011, 02:07:23 PM
Quote from: SDLagent on February 10, 2011, 08:01:27 PM
Yeah, pretty much. Except, for some unknown reason, most girls in the UB continuity seem to ignore Joe.

Why do you think that is?
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: MacGyver on February 11, 2011, 03:03:08 PM
Maybe he comes off as a showy jerk to them.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: SDLagent on February 11, 2011, 09:34:12 PM
Or maybe it's just bad writing and trying too hard to make Frank and Joe "different".
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Olivia on February 13, 2011, 01:40:48 PM
Quote from: SDLagent on February 11, 2011, 09:34:12 PM
Or maybe it's just bad writing and trying too hard to make Frank and Joe "different".

I think it's also suppose to be funny.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on February 13, 2011, 02:13:28 PM
Quote from: Olivia on February 13, 2011, 01:40:48 PM
I think it's also suppose to be funny.

At last, someone agrees with me! ;D
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Olivia on February 13, 2011, 02:25:22 PM
It has the capacity to be funny, but things can be overdone.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on February 13, 2011, 04:18:03 PM
Quote from: Olivia on February 13, 2011, 02:25:22 PM
It has the capacity to be funny, but things can be overdone.

That's true. :)
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: SDLagent on February 13, 2011, 07:17:43 PM
Quote from: Olivia on February 13, 2011, 01:40:48 PM
I think it's also suppose to be funny.

"supposed to be" being the phrase, here.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: hardygirl847 on February 14, 2011, 05:01:28 PM
Quote from: SDLagent on February 11, 2011, 09:34:12 PM
Or maybe it's just bad writing and trying too hard to make Frank and Joe "different".

I was and still am not a fan of this switch. Frank and Joe both know how to talk to girls. I think it makes Frank WAY less mature than he is suppose to be.

Sorry friends, but I don't find it funny. I find it annoying and uncharacteristic of him. I keep wanting to shake the book and somehow use it like a etch a sketch and erase that!

Joe's overly flirtatious nature in the Casefiles was somewhat a coping mechanism but still was not as bad as Frank's inability to speak two words to a female in the UBs. I don't mind that the girls like him more this time around...and I could never see him being cocky about it ....BUT to be THAT shy and almost nerdy about it....it's ridiculous! HE'S A SUPER AGENT for crying out loud!

Good thing the GNs ignore it mostly and it's starting to be downplayed.

Sorry....I don't mean to be so passionate about this but it drives me nuts. He's super mature in the other series but UBs make him the opposite. It just irritates me.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on February 14, 2011, 05:25:56 PM
Quote from: hardygirl847 on February 14, 2011, 05:01:28 PM
I was and still am not a fan of this switch. Frank and Joe both know how to talk to girls. I think it makes Frank WAY less mature than he is suppose to be.

Sorry friends, but I don't find it funny. I find it annoying and uncharacteristic of him. I keep wanting to shake the book and somehow use it like a etch a sketch and erase that!

Joe's overly flirtatious nature in the Casefiles was somewhat a coping mechanism but still was not as bad as Frank's inability to speak two words to a female in the UBs. I don't mind that the girls like him more this time around...and I could never see him being cocky about it ....BUT to be THAT shy and almost nerdy about it....it's ridiculous! HE'S A SUPER AGENT for crying out loud!

Good thing the GNs ignore it mostly and it's starting to be downplayed.

Sorry....I don't mean to be so passionate about this but it drives me nuts. He's super mature in the other series but UBs make him the opposite. It just irritates me.

I think it's gotten better in the UB paperbacks. :-\
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: tomswift2002 on April 15, 2011, 08:02:18 PM
Anyone looking for a topic on Bonfire Masquerade?  Hopefully it is better than Gold Medal Murder, since I've still got my book mark in that book at like Chapter 6 or 7...and the last time that I read it was shortly after it came out.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on April 15, 2011, 09:16:47 PM
Quote from: tomswift2002 on April 15, 2011, 08:02:18 PM
Anyone looking for a topic on Bonfire Masquerade?  Hopefully it is better than Gold Medal Murder, since I've still got my book mark in that book at like Chapter 6 or 7...and the last time that I read it was shortly after it came out.

Then you missed the swearing! :o
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: tomswift2002 on April 17, 2011, 04:50:07 PM
Quote from: Katie on April 15, 2011, 09:16:47 PM
Then you missed the swearing then! :o

As I recall, I came across one mention of the "D" word in the book at that point.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on April 17, 2011, 07:47:00 PM
Quote from: tomswift2002 on April 17, 2011, 04:50:07 PM
As I recall, I came across one mention of the "D" word in the book at that point.

There's two other times they use it! ::)
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: SDLagent on April 18, 2011, 11:25:39 PM
Why would they do that? Damnit!
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on April 18, 2011, 11:36:24 PM
Quote from: SDLagent on April 18, 2011, 11:25:39 PM
Why would they do that? Damnit!

I thought one of the rules was no swearing. What did you just say?! ::) :o
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Bigfootman on April 28, 2011, 03:14:44 PM
In what context was the swearing used in "Gold Medal Murder"? If the swearing was when they were in danger, like being chased by a gunman, then I don't see what the big deal is, if the swearing was for no reason at all, then I have a problem. Honestly, I don't see the point of swear words at all, why have words in the English language that you can't even say? Who decided which words were bad anyways?
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: MacGyver on April 28, 2011, 03:16:23 PM
QuoteHonestly, I don't see the point of swear words at all, why have words in the English language that you can't even say? Who decided which words were bad anyways?
God. ;)
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on April 28, 2011, 04:14:25 PM
Quote from: Dinosaur Dan on April 28, 2011, 03:14:44 PM
In what context was the swearing used in "Gold Medal Murder"? If the swearing was when they were in danger, like being chased by a gunman, then I don't see what the big deal is, if the swearing was for no reason at all, then I have a problem. Honestly, I don't see the point of swear words at all, why have words in the English language that you can't even say? Who decided which words were bad anyways?

When they were in danger. IMO, I still don't think that should've used it! ::) >:( :-\
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: JoeHardyRocks on May 12, 2011, 02:30:05 PM
Actually, Joe said "And ******** is that buzzing noise?" when he wasn't really in danger. Even though some of you might not technically consider "hell" to be an expletive, I think it is when it's used in that context.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: MacGyver on May 12, 2011, 03:01:06 PM
Okay- that definitely makes me sick. I could see the Hardys maybe using a euphemism like "heck"- but they should not be swearing. As I've said before, the problem here is that many people don't even consider this example you've posted to be an expletive anymore, but it still gets movies PG ratings instead of G, so I would say Hollywood still views it as an expletive- and I certainly view it as an expletive. When you compromise on standards, it's easy to go further and further in that compromise. This is definitely something that I'm wanting to write a letter to Simon & Schuster about- it's very frustrating.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on May 12, 2011, 05:21:28 PM
Quote from: JoeHardyRocks on May 12, 2011, 02:30:05 PM
Actualyl, Joe said "And ******** is that buzzing noise?" when he wasn't really in danger. Even though some of you might not technically consider "hell" to be an expletive, I think it is when it's used in that context.

What page is that on? ???
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: MacGyver on May 13, 2011, 08:32:37 AM
Just found a really interesting article related to this- http://www.albertmohler.com/2005/06/02/the-hardy-boys-and-the-rainbow-party/
The article is from the President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and he's comparing two a recent book to The Hardys Boys series, both of which were both published by Simon & Schuster. (Note to younger readers- this other books has a pretty lurid plot that is discussed)
         Anyway- I appreciate how he pointed out that the Hardy Boys have long been bastions for Christian values. They may not have always specifically identified as such and I'm not totally sure if Edward Stratemeyer even was a Christian- but it's pretty obvious they hold to many values The Bible certainly commands as well. (Though I'm sure you could make the case for various religions as well.)
    The main thing I found interesting was the leaked guidelines for the writers- and note that this article is from 2005, so the new Hardy Boys series he's referring to must be the Undercover Brothers series. Wow- if those are the guidelines for the writers, I don't think they've been holding to all of them lately...
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: MacGyver on May 13, 2011, 09:04:23 AM
And here's the text of the article from the June 2005 issue of Harper's Magazine that the previous article references. This gives a look into the writing guidelines for The Hardy Boys: Undercover Brothers series. Interesting to compare the guidelines with the current final product, eh?

Boys, uninterrupted.(book by Franklin W. Dixon)(Book Review).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harper's Magazine 310.1861 (June 2005): p21(2). (750 words)
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Document Type: Magazine/Journal
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Full Text :COPYRIGHT 2005 Harper's Magazine Foundation
From "The Writer's Guide to Hardy Boys Rack Books," distributed to writers of the series. The books, aimed at ten- to fourteen-year-old boys, have been published since 1927 under the pseudonym Franklin W. Dixon.

Start your work by setting aside all those memories of what the Hardy Boys were like when you were young. Frank and Joe Hardy are no longer goody-goody carbon copies of each other. Each one now has a distinctive, hard-edged personality and approach to crime fighting.

Although the characters are now portrayed more realistically than at any time in the past six decades, remember that there are limits to how far they (and you)can go. At times, the Hardys experience doubts about their personal and professional activities, but these introspective moments are necessarily limited, due to the fast pace of their action-filled lives. There's nothing that could drive Frank or Joe to tears because they're too gutsy and determined to behave that way.

Dialogue no-no's include long speeches, cursing, vulgar references, and taking the Lord's name in vain (including the term "jeez"). For example:

Positive, upbeat: "Wow!" "All right!" "Great!" "Believe it!"

Negative, sarcastic: "Rats!" "Yeah, right," "Yeah, yeah," "Yuck!" "Oh, boy."

Grunts and groans can be substituted for expletives when a character is undergoing a great deal of stress or pain. So when someone slashes Frank's hand with a knife, he can say "Unnnh!" instead of "#&@*#!" You can also use a character's name in place of an unacceptable phrase. Frank can say, "Joe, you messed up," instead of, "Damn it, you messed up." Finally, despite the necessity for wholesome expletives, please omit terms such as "darn," "shucks," "goody," and positive sounding "oh, boys."

As mentioned previously, this is a modernized series, with a healthy dose of realism. This has to carry over into the types of crimes that the Hardys tackle. Without exception, these crimes should be major, modern, and filled with action. Examples include armed robbery, arson, international espionage, kidnapping, and terrorism. Murder is acceptable, as long as you restrain yourself from passing along all the gory details. In other words, someone can be shot and killed, but the reader's eyes must be averted from the resulting puddles of blood.

Each fight scene should be no longer than one to two pages. These fight scenes can include fists, knives, guns, grenades, and bombs. Descriptions of pain can be included. As with murder sequences, make sure that you don't pile on the gore. The victim of a knifing will bleed, but not profusely. Although Frank and Joe may lose some of these battles by being knocked out or captured, they will eventually win the final battle and the war itself.

Now let's move on to lifestyle considerations, starting with sex. There isn't any, not even in the Hardys stories of today. Bayport's teenagers do display a healthy interest in the opposite sex. Romantic situations, however, can never be allowed to develop beyond the kissing and hugging stage. And since Frank and Joe spend much of their time tracking down criminals, their socializing time is necessarily limited.

Two other prohibitions should be noted. First, sexual references, off-color remarks, and "mature" double entendres are prohibited. A mild double entendre such as a play on the word "dangerous" is allowable on an occasional basis. Second, no drugs. No drug usage or references are allowable, even if a character is making an antidrug statement.

Aside from the prohibitions, Bayport's teens behave like real-life teens. They spend time at parties, shopping malls, video stores, ski resorts, beaches, etc. They especially love to spend time at fast-food joints, where they gorge themselves on hamburgers, fries, pizzas, and fried chicken. Higher-class food is reserved for grown-ups.

You should stay away from overly complicated plots. Once in a great while, a flashback can be used, but check with us first. Second, every chapter must end with a cliffhanger. On the spectrum of cliffhangers, the best are those involving physical danger. Next best are perceived threats--a mysterious shadow, a scream, the sight of a gun, the earth rumbling. Last on the list is the moderately acceptable dramatic realization, such as "he's been lying to us all along" or "she's the real spy." Concentrate your cliffhangers in the former two categories, since your story should be filled with action/ adventure sequences, with leisure-time episodes as breathers between battles.

End your penultimate chapter with a major cliffhanger. The final chapter then features the villain being foiled, killed, and/or captured, as our heroes bask in glory.

Named Works: The Writer's Guide to Hardy Boys Rack Books (Book) Book reviews
Source Citation
"Boys, uninterrupted." Harper's Magazine June 2005: 21+. General OneFile. Web. 13 May 2011.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on May 13, 2011, 02:30:29 PM
Quote from: MacGyver on May 13, 2011, 08:32:37 AM
Just found a really interesting article related to this- http://www.albertmohler.com/2005/06/02/the-hardy-boys-and-the-rainbow-party/ (http://www.albertmohler.com/2005/06/02/the-hardy-boys-and-the-rainbow-party/)
The article is from the President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and he's comparing two a recent book to The Hardys Boys series, both of which were both published by Simon & Schuster. (Note to younger readers- this other books has a pretty lurid plot that is discussed)
         Anyway- I appreciate how he pointed out that the Hardy Boys have long been bastions for Christian values. They may not have always specifically identified as such and I'm totally sure if Edward Stratemeyer even was a Christian- but it's pretty obvious they hold to many values The Bible certainly commands as well. (Though I'm sure you could make the case for various religions as well.)
    The main thing I found interesting was the leaked guidelines for the writers- and note that this article is from 2005, so the new Hardy Boys series he's referring to must be the Undercover Brothers series. Wow- if those are the guidelines for the writers, I don't think they've been holding to all of them lately...

Thanks for the information. :) Yes, that's for the new series. :) They sure aren't following them. :o


Quote from: MacGyver on May 13, 2011, 09:04:23 AM
And here's the text of the article from the June 2005 issue of Harper's Magazine that the previous article references. This gives a look into the writing guidelines for The Hardy Boys: Undercover Brothers series. Interesting to compare the guidelines with the current final product, eh?

Boys, uninterrupted.(book by Franklin W. Dixon)(Book Review).

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Harper's Magazine 310.1861 (June 2005): p21(2). (750 words)
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Full Text :COPYRIGHT 2005 Harper's Magazine Foundation
From "The Writer's Guide to Hardy Boys Rack Books," distributed to writers of the series. The books, aimed at ten- to fourteen-year-old boys, have been published since 1927 under the pseudonym Franklin W. Dixon.

Start your work by setting aside all those memories of what the Hardy Boys were like when you were young. Frank and Joe Hardy are no longer goody-goody carbon copies of each other. Each one now has a distinctive, hard-edged personality and approach to crime fighting.

Although the characters are now portrayed more realistically than at any time in the past six decades, remember that there are limits to how far they (and you)can go. At times, the Hardys experience doubts about their personal and professional activities, but these introspective moments are necessarily limited, due to the fast pace of their action-filled lives. There's nothing that could drive Frank or Joe to tears because they're too gutsy and determined to behave that way.

Dialogue no-no's include long speeches, cursing, vulgar references, and taking the Lord's name in vain (including the term "jeez"). For example:

Positive, upbeat: "Wow!" "All right!" "Great!" "Believe it!"

Negative, sarcastic: "Rats!" "Yeah, right," "Yeah, yeah," "Yuck!" "Oh, boy."

Grunts and groans can be substituted for expletives when a character is undergoing a great deal of stress or pain. So when someone slashes Frank's hand with a knife, he can say "Unnnh!" instead of "#&@*#!" You can also use a character's name in place of an unacceptable phrase. Frank can say, "Joe, you messed up," instead of, "Damn it, you messed up." Finally, despite the necessity for wholesome expletives, please omit terms such as "darn," "shucks," "goody," and positive sounding "oh, boys."

As mentioned previously, this is a modernized series, with a healthy dose of realism. This has to carry over into the types of crimes that the Hardys tackle. Without exception, these crimes should be major, modern, and filled with action. Examples include armed robbery, arson, international espionage, kidnapping, and terrorism. Murder is acceptable, as long as you restrain yourself from passing along all the gory details. In other words, someone can be shot and killed, but the reader's eyes must be averted from the resulting puddles of blood.

Each fight scene should be no longer than one to two pages. These fight scenes can include fists, knives, guns, grenades, and bombs. Descriptions of pain can be included. As with murder sequences, make sure that you don't pile on the gore. The victim of a knifing will bleed, but not profusely. Although Frank and Joe may lose some of these battles by being knocked out or captured, they will eventually win the final battle and the war itself.

Now let's move on to lifestyle considerations, starting with sex. There isn't any, not even in the Hardys stories of today. Bayport's teenagers do display a healthy interest in the opposite sex. Romantic situations, however, can never be allowed to develop beyond the kissing and hugging stage. And since Frank and Joe spend much of their time tracking down criminals, their socializing time is necessarily limited.

Two other prohibitions should be noted. First, sexual references, off-color remarks, and "mature" double entendres are prohibited. A mild double entendre such as a play on the word "dangerous" is allowable on an occasional basis. Second, no drugs. No drug usage or references are allowable, even if a character is making an antidrug statement.

Aside from the prohibitions, Bayport's teens behave like real-life teens. They spend time at parties, shopping malls, video stores, ski resorts, beaches, etc. They especially love to spend time at fast-food joints, where they gorge themselves on hamburgers, fries, pizzas, and fried chicken. Higher-class food is reserved for grown-ups.

You should stay away from overly complicated plots. Once in a great while, a flashback can be used, but check with us first. Second, every chapter must end with a cliffhanger. On the spectrum of cliffhangers, the best are those involving physical danger. Next best are perceived threats--a mysterious shadow, a scream, the sight of a gun, the earth rumbling. Last on the list is the moderately acceptable dramatic realization, such as "he's been lying to us all along" or "she's the real spy." Concentrate your cliffhangers in the former two categories, since your story should be filled with action/ adventure sequences, with leisure-time episodes as breathers between battles.

End your penultimate chapter with a major cliffhanger. The final chapter then features the villain being foiled, killed, and/or captured, as our heroes bask in glory.

Named Works: The Writer's Guide to Hardy Boys Rack Books (Book) Book reviews
Source Citation
"Boys, uninterrupted." Harper's Magazine June 2005: 21+. General OneFile. Web. 13 May 2011.


That just confirms it. There had been some drugs statements, too! :o Number nine in the UB paperback series comes to mind, and the swearing. Which I won't go into, again. :o ::) :(
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: JoeHardyRocks on May 13, 2011, 02:37:24 PM
Quote from: Katie on May 12, 2011, 05:21:28 PM
What page is that on? ???

I don't recall the exact page number, but it was within the first 3 pages of Joe's first chapter.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on May 13, 2011, 02:43:30 PM
Quote from: JoeHardyRocks on May 13, 2011, 02:37:24 PM
I don't recall the exact page number, but it was within the first 3 pages of Joe's first chapter.

I just saw it. That's just sick. >:( Aren't these children's books? ::)
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: JoeHardyRocks on May 13, 2011, 02:45:19 PM
Yeah, but then again, it's not like the kids of today haven't heard those words before. ::) (I'm not saying that the cursing is okay, I'm pointing out the lack of... refinement(?) kids today have.....:( )
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: MacGyver on May 13, 2011, 02:46:26 PM
Yes- and that's just the problem. The books clearly state that the intended age range is 8-12. And of course, I think kids even younger than that might read these (at least I know I was reading The Hardy Boys when I was younger than those ages.) And in any case, they're violating their own writer's guidelines. Crazy.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: JoeHardyRocks on May 13, 2011, 02:48:46 PM
I guess the writer think they're appealing to the kid's desire to be.. mature? I know kids that say a LOT worse words than "hell" and they say them because they think it makes them seem older, when it actually makes them seem very crude and immature...
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: MacGyver on May 13, 2011, 02:49:06 PM
QuoteYeah, but then again, it's not like the kids of today haven't heard those words before.  (I'm not saying that the cursing is okay, I'm pointing out the lack of... refinement(?) kids today have..... )
Yes, I know- and I've always hated that argument for allowing things. Just because others have lowered standards and exposed kids to things they don't need to be exposed to (and neither do teens or adults for that matter)- doesn't mean that everyone else should lower their standards too. I like to look to The Hardy Boys and think that this is one crew I can count on to not compromise on moral values and maintain the same core values they've had since 1927.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on May 13, 2011, 02:51:07 PM
Quote from: MacGyver on May 13, 2011, 02:46:26 PM
Yes- and that's just the problem. The books clearly state that the intended age range is 8-12. And of course, I think kids even younger than that might read these (at least I know I was reading The Hardy Boys when I was younger than those ages.) And in any case, they're violating their own writer's guidelines. Crazy.

I don't get it either. *shakes head* If anyone wants to write them or something, I'll throw what I think in, too. I was going to introduce my nephews to the Hardy Boys UB series. But, now, I think I'd better not. :-\ ::) :(
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: MacGyver on May 13, 2011, 02:53:14 PM
I think I'd rather introduce kids to the Original or Digest stories. And when they're older (i.e. 11 or 12 or so to teenager), the Casefiles.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: JoeHardyRocks on May 13, 2011, 02:53:43 PM
Quote from: MacGyver on May 13, 2011, 02:49:06 PM
Yes, I know- and I've always hated that argument for allowing things. Just because others have lowered standards and exposed kids to things they don't need to be exposed to (and neither do teens or adults for that matter)- doesn't mean that everyone else should lower their standards too. I like to look to The Hardy Boys and think that this is one crew I can count on to not compromise on moral values and maintain the same core values they've had since 1927.

Same here, that seems to be an excuse for alot of things. Just because they've heard it/done it before, still doesn't make it right. I just get really confused when I see 10 years olds walking around with piercings, dyed hair, inappropriate clothing, obscene language, and bad attitudes. I think, what is up with these childrens' parents? Don't people have ANY moral values these days?!?
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: MacGyver on May 13, 2011, 02:57:21 PM
Well, I don't know about piercings and dyed hair- I guess it depends on what kind you're talking about. If that's someone's style, I wouldn't be so concerned about that (though I probably wouldn't let any kids I had do that... unless we're talking little cute earrings for a girl)
But yeah- I know what you're talking about otherwise. And sadly, many folks have not grown up with any clear moral values and are raising their kids the same way- It reminds me a lot of Judges 17:6 and 21:25. :(
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on May 13, 2011, 02:58:35 PM
Quote from: MacGyver on May 13, 2011, 02:57:21 PM
Well, I don't know about piercings and dyed hair- I guess it depends on what kind you're talking about. If that's someone's style, I wouldn't be so concerned about that (though I probably wouldn't let any kids I had do that... unless we're talking little cute earrings for a girl)
But yeah- I know what you're talking about otherwise. And sadly, many folks have not grown up with any clear moral values and are raising their kids the same way- It reminds me a lot of Judges 17:6 and 21:25. :(

I second that and it's too bad. :(
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: JoeHardyRocks on May 13, 2011, 02:59:14 PM
Quote from: MacGyver on May 13, 2011, 02:57:21 PM
Well, I don't know about piercings and dyed hair- I guess it depends on what kind you're talking about. If that's someone's style, I wouldn't be so concerned about that (though I probably wouldn't let any kids I had do that... unless we're talking little cute earrings for a girl)

I was talking about the snakebites, gauges, nose rings, and other random piercings... And the unnaturaly dyed hair, like jet black, emo, bright reds, etc......
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: AlwaysAJoefan on May 13, 2011, 02:59:38 PM
Quote from: JoeHardyRocks on May 13, 2011, 02:53:43 PM
Same here, that seems to be an excuse for alot of things. Just because they've heard it/done it before, still doesn't make it right. I just get really confused when I see 10 years olds walking around with piercings, dyed hair, inappropriate clothing, obscene language, and bad attitudes. I think, what is up with these childrens' parents? Don't people have ANY moral values these days?!?

I see that all the time around town and on my bus route. I find it sad that parents will bend to the wishes of the child, even if it is not healthy for the kids. Since Dr. Spock, we have become afraid to say "no" or have any discipline in our homes. ::)
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on May 13, 2011, 03:07:30 PM
Quote from: MacGyver on May 13, 2011, 02:53:14 PM
I think I'd rather introduce kids to the Original or Digest stories. And when they're older (i.e. 11 or 12 or so to teenager), the Casefiles.

Now that the UB are going that way, I think I will. :-\
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: MacGyver on May 13, 2011, 03:08:51 PM
Quote
I see that all the time around town and on my bus route. I find it sad that parents will bend to the wishes of the child, even if it is not healthy for the kids. Since Dr. Spock, we have become afraid to say "no" or have any discipline in our homes.
That's why I tell people when his name comes up- it's Dr. McCoy and Mr. Spock. ;)
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: AlwaysAJoefan on May 13, 2011, 03:26:15 PM
Quote from: MacGyver on May 13, 2011, 03:08:51 PM
That's why I tell people when his name comes up- it's Dr. McCoy and Mr. Spock. ;)

LOL, Mac! You know what I meant, though.  ;)
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: MacGyver on May 13, 2011, 05:45:28 PM
Oh yeah- I know who Dr. Benjamin Spock is. I just meant that I prefer Mr. Spock on Star Trek ;D 8)
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: AlwaysAJoefan on May 13, 2011, 11:17:13 PM
Quote from: MacGyver on May 13, 2011, 05:45:28 PM
Oh yeah- I know who Dr. Benjamin Spock is. I just meant that I prefer Mr. Spock on Star Trek ;D 8)

Who doesn't? Beside Dr. Phil, I mean.  ::) ;)
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: tomswift2002 on May 14, 2011, 08:16:06 PM
Well with that series outline it seems like every author has taken the instructions to mean that only murders can be the major crime in the books. 

But, really, I don't think any author ends a chapter anymore with the character in physical danger, or if it is, it is so contrived that it doesn't make a good cliff-hanger.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on May 22, 2011, 03:18:11 PM
Quote from: tomswift2002 on May 14, 2011, 08:16:06 PM
Well with that series outline it seems like every author has taken the instructions to mean that only murders can be the major crime in the books. 

But, really, I don't think any author ends a chapter anymore with the character in physical danger, or if it is, it is so contrived that it doesn't make a good cliff-hanger.

Yeah, I noticed that! ::)
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: tomswift2002 on July 11, 2011, 02:41:09 PM
I just picked up my copy of Bonfire Masquerade today, and it actually feels and looks smaller than the previous SM'07 books.  Whether this is due to less story or cheaper paper being used, I'm not to sure.  But I still haven't finished the previous SM'07 book, so who knows if I'll get around to reading this one.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: JoeHardyRocks on July 14, 2011, 05:20:31 PM
Woah, it's out already?? Lol I haven't been tracking the UB's lately.... Huh. Well, time to go to the library!!

Oh, and a note on the name, wasn't there a girl detective book called like Mardi Gras Masquerade?
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: MacGyver on July 14, 2011, 08:55:05 PM
Yes, there was.
And I have checked at three bookstores near me and have yet to see Bonfire Masquerade in stores. But then, it only released last Tuesday- maybe they will have it with some more time.
Also- I just saw this rather scathing review on Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1442403284/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=)- wow! Of course- sadly, I know it's probably pretty spot-on. :(
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: tomswift2002 on July 15, 2011, 07:27:43 PM
I though the book was shorter than the first 3 SM'07's just by the look and thickness of the book, and it looks like I was right, according to that Amazon.com review.  But I remember that I didn't like Operation: Titanic from the SM'88 series because the mysteries that Nancy and the Hardy Boys were on didn't join together till the last 1/4 of the book. 

I really love the quote that the reviewer on Amazon said about the state of kids and teenagers nowadays.  Here's the quote:

Quote from: Stephanie L. Wideman    Review on Amazon.com   July 9, 2011, accessed July 15, 2011
If one is to go by the writing style of the first Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books, kids in the thirties, sixties, and nineties were a lot smarter than kids today. This is decided purely on the virtue that those books were longer, had more plot, smaller print, and were a lot more entertaining. I'm not saying kids now-a-days aren't smart, but this book made me wonder what the author and publishers think about today's youth.

I think that can be applied to all the UB books by S&S (Papercutz is exempt).
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: MacGyver on July 15, 2011, 08:30:45 PM
Agreed. And I would definitely give Papercutz a pass- I think those are probably the best interpretation of the Undercover Brothers universe for The Hardy Boys.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: tomswift2002 on July 17, 2011, 02:45:27 PM
Well, I guess this summer we'll be able to see who has done the better Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys team-up for the recent stories (since we might as well start calling the Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys team-ups done by the Stratemeyer Syndicate in the early 80's and then taken over by Simon & Schuster, who then brought out the SuperMystery'88 series as the Classic Nancy Drew-Hardy Boys Team-ups).
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on July 20, 2011, 03:25:21 PM
Quote from: tomswift2002 on July 15, 2011, 07:27:43 PM
I didn't like Operation: Titanic from the SM'88 series because the mysteries that Nancy and the Hardy Boys were on didn't join together till the last 1/4 of the book. 

I hated that one too. ::) Never know why, but seeing your post was the reason, thanks! 8) I think they could do Dead on Arrival again, don't you? That's my favourite one of the whole SM'88 series. ;D
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book/Spoilers
Post by: tomswift2002 on August 03, 2011, 08:51:28 PM
I just finished "Bonfire " and it was really good.  Finally we get a story where there is a gang of 16, and not just 1.

Rating: 8/10
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: MacGyver on August 03, 2011, 09:18:59 PM
Well, that's encouraging to hear. Maybe the ghostwriters are trying to beef up the action in response to fan complaints...
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on August 04, 2011, 09:47:36 AM
Quote from: MacGyver on August 03, 2011, 09:18:59 PM
Well, that's encouraging to hear. Maybe the ghostwriters are trying to beef up the action in response to fan complaints...

It's about time they did! 8)
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: tomswift2002 on August 04, 2011, 06:08:10 PM
Well I didn't give it an 8.5 or 9 or even a 10, because I found that while the story was good, and felt like an old Hardy Boys book, the book was too short, and I thought that the author could've easily added more detail into it.  It wasn't so rushed that it hurt the story, but still it was rushed and you know when I think back to the SuperMystery'88 series, those books were about 80 pages or more longer than any of the books in the Hardy Boys Casefiles/Nancy Drew Files series  (the average Casefiles book had an average page length of 160 pages, whereas the average SuperMystery'88 book had between 220 and 240).  Plus, I found the author just left a very big thread dangling loose and did absolutely nothing to tie it up.  When Andrew got choked unconcious, the author hurriedly sent him and the boys to the hospital where there was an attorney from Andrew's family to say that the boys and Nancy had a restraining order and then just had them leave, with no mention later of what became of Andrew.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on August 04, 2011, 07:48:02 PM
Do they swear in this one?
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Bigfootman on August 23, 2011, 11:06:47 AM
Quote from: Katie on August 04, 2011, 07:48:02 PM
Do they swear in this one?

No, but according to an amazon review, on page 13 Bess actually says "OMG". However, I'm not sure wither this is true or not. I do have the book, but I haven't read it yet.

One thing about the book I already have a problem with is it's length. Why is it so short? If they are going to make them shorter, then they at least should publish two of them per year. Because I waited a whole year for this book, and it turns out to be only 160 pages. The first two books were long, then the number of pages start to decrease! If the supermysteries are going to be the same length as the UBs and GDs, then there's no excuse for making us wait a whole year for them.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: MacGyver on August 23, 2011, 02:01:29 PM
QuoteNo, but according to an amazon review, on page 13 Bess actually says "OMG". However, I'm not sure wither this is true or not. I do have the book, but I haven't read it yet.
I've got the book at home- I can check this later... but I really wish they wouldn't have the characters even using phrases like that- whether spelled out or not, it's still taking God's name in vain.  [Unless she was supposed to be saying "Oh my goodness"- which, granted, is still a euphemism, but I'd at least feel better about that...]
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: SDLagent on August 23, 2011, 03:07:33 PM
Yeah, you'd think they'd make the books a bit longer since they only come out once a year. I believe that this is actually the first Hardy Boys series to only come out once a year since the Original series (not counting short-lived series like the Undercover Brothers Super Mystery..
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Bigfootman on August 23, 2011, 03:38:56 PM
Quote from: MacGyver on August 23, 2011, 02:01:29 PM
I've got the book at home- I can check this later... but I really wish they wouldn't have the characters even using phrases like that- whether spelled out or not, it's still taking God's name in vain.  [Unless she was supposed to be saying "Oh my goodness"- which, granted, is still a euphemism, but I'd at least feel better about that...]
I checked page 13, and its not there, maybe its on another page. I hope not, because if Bess is using net speak then the series has seriously jumped the shark.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: MacGyver on August 23, 2011, 05:38:39 PM
QuoteI checked page 13, and its not there, maybe its on another page. I hope not, because if Bess is using net speak then the series has seriously jumped the shark.
Yeah- that's the other reason I'm upset about that... The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew have always been portrayed as intelligent and I would hope their speech would continue to reflect that...
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Hardy Boys UB Fan on August 23, 2011, 08:45:59 PM
Quote from: MacGyver on August 23, 2011, 05:38:39 PM
Yeah- that's the other reason I'm upset about that... The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew have always been portrayed as intelligent and I would hope their speech would continue to reflect that...

I hope they don't say "what the h***." again. It was rather embarrassing when my mom saw that they said that. >:(
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: Olivia on December 10, 2011, 08:59:21 PM
I've read the first half of this book so far, and I have to say I'm kind of impressed. It's actually interesting, has decent action, and it made me LOL a couple of times at the situations that Frank and Joe got in. The style of writing flows.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: MacGyver on December 10, 2011, 11:13:14 PM
Maybe that particular series is improving then... it would be kinda weird if that one continued while both its parent series died out though...
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: SDLagent on December 11, 2011, 01:42:24 AM
Quote from: MacGyver on December 10, 2011, 11:13:14 PM
Maybe that particular series is improving then... it would be kinda weird if that one continued while both its parent series died out though...

Maybe. In the UB continuity there has been the odd good book but it's almost never been followed by another good one.
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: JoeHardyRocks on December 13, 2011, 05:27:08 PM
Sadly, still haven't read this one :'(
Title: Re: Bonfire Masquerade- #5 NDGD/HBUB Supermystery book
Post by: tomswift2002 on December 13, 2011, 07:22:48 PM
I still haven't finished #4"Gold Medal Murder" or UB #18 "Pushed" because they were so boring that they were disgusting.  But "the Bonfire Masquerade" was a better story.